Relationship between the MMC and TWIC

After April 15, 2009 you are required to hold a valid TWIC in order to serve under the authority of your merchant credential. A TWIC is not required in order to apply for or receive a document of continuity.

March 18, 2009: The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) rule was published in the Federal register on March 16, 2009 (MMC Final Rule). The information bulletin, “MMC Final Rule Released” posted on the National Maritime Center’s (NMC) website outlines some key features of the rule, which becomes effective April 15, 2009. This bulletin focuses on the relationship between the MMC and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Please refer to the previously posted “TWIC Information Bulletin” for additional details. If you hold a Merchant Mariner Credential you are required to obtain a TWIC by April 15, 2009. Additionally, after April 15, 2009 you are required to hold a valid TWIC in order to serve under the authority of your merchant credential.

• Important Information about the MMC Final Rule

The Coast Guard will use TWIC data received directly from TSA to determine the status of your TWIC. No mariner credentials will be issued without confirmation from TSA that an applicant has been approved to hold a TWIC.

If you are applying for a merchant mariner credential you must have at least applied for your TWIC before the Coast Guard will accept your application. Your credential will not be issued until your TWIC is approved. There may be a minimal delay between the time you apply for your TWIC and the time that data is received by the Coast Guard. Therefore, you should:

Apply for your TWIC in advance of your application for your merchant credential.

If you are applying for your TWIC and mariner credential simultaneously, provide a copy of your TWIC application receipt with your credential application.

A TWIC is not required in order to apply for or receive a document of continuity.

• Important information about TWIC enrollment

You will need to ensure that the biographical data that you supply to TSA is the same as what you provide the Coast Guard on your Merchant Mariner Credential Application. If the Coast Guard can not reconcile the data provided by TSA, you may be asked to work with TSA to update your information.

Visit TSA’s website to begin the application process for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm